Second most surprising final win after the Helmut Rahn West Germany win in 1954 over the Magic Magyars, who had already destroyed them 8-3 in the group stage. It could be argued the 1950-1954 Magic Magyars started the modern football era, even more than the Dutch "Totaalvoetbal" of the 70s.
It was shocking at the time, as Holland was widely favored. Through the lens of hindsight, it probably wasn't as shocking - West Germany were the reigning European champions and the game was being played at home. Too much weight was placed on West Germany's loss to East Germany (a close 1-0). Up until that point, there had only been one WC winner who wasn't undefeated.- in 1954, also coincidentally West Germany. That 1954 result is considered a much, much bigger upset than 1974. It's referred to in Germany as "the Miracle of Bern". The opponent, Hungary - nicknamed "the Golden Team", "the Mighty Magyars" - were enormous favorites to win the World Cup. They implemented new tactics that tremendously shook up the world game and laid out the blueprint for soccer strategy for the next twenty years, including an early version of Total Football. They were unbelievably dominant - in five years, they hadn't been defeated once. In fact, from 1950 to 1956, they had 42 wins, 7 draws, and 1 defeat. That single defeat was to West Germany in the 1954 WC final. West Germany was playing in its first World Cup since the war. The team was composed of semi-pro players, and they had played only a few matches, with a very easy qualification group was against Norway and Saarland. In the group stage of the WC, Hungary destroyed West Germany 8-3. Hungary went on to eliminate Brazil, the South American favorites, and Uruguay, the defending champions. At that point, Hungary achieved the highest ELO rating in international history, ever. And they were leading West Germany 2-0 in the final. But the West Germans came back to win it 3-2. It was an enormous upset - hence "the Miracle of Bern" - and it's been credited with helping to uplift the West German people and even as a turning point in German history. However, I think if Croatia wins, it may even be more shocking than the 1954 upset.
My hope is for a Croatian upset, they play together and show a real work ethic on both sides of the ball that I admire. I think they mentioned nearly 100 more minutes just over the last 3 games, its going to take a Herculean effort. My prediction is France 2-1, my hope is Croatia can poach an early goal and withstand.
It would be such an easy thing to get rid of that I can only assume FIFA doesn’t want to rid the sport of this blatant diving BS.
I would rather VAR be used to yellow card divers more than anything. Croatia has been dominating and greasy-man dives for a set piece goal. Either use VAR or don’t. This inbetween stuff can be used to sway the game more than just not having it
This.... Plays like that alone make VAR a necessity.. So far divers resulting in a goal =1 Use of VAR =0
I think there a lot of countries where diving is an accepted part of in-game strategy, and they don't see much wrong with it. I remember reading an interview with Suarez after the last WC (I think), and he basically said that he came up from nothing, owes everything he has to the game, and will do absolutely anything to gain an advantage on the field, including trying to con the ref. If enough countries have that general attitude, FIFA won't change anything.
It used to be that bad calls evened out over time. I’m not sure that’s the case with the way VAR is being used.
Thats actually an interesting point, where a small bad call that doesn't go to VAR goes to team 1, and then the VAR shows a team 2 call that is now reversed to team 1.
The old if you're not cheating you aren't trying adage. They all try, but the idea should be if they get caught its insta-card, no questions, both domestic and international. Theres just too much on the line to be decided by a guy taking a dive. It's awful and should be took out of the game.
Geez Croatia has dominated this game and are losing by 2. If they come back now, it would be a miracle.
I just want to be the obnoxious ass who points out that we drew these guys in France right before the tournament.
Kylian Mbappe and Julian Green both scored one goal in the USA-France game, that means they are equal quality players.